Product ReviewsModems
Many ISPs are offering self-install ADSL services, whereby they activate the ADSL service on your telephone line and then allow you to buy and install your own ADSL modem or router. There are a number of companies selling ADSL equipment, but most of them are focused on the PC market and their products aren't always Mac compatible. The problem lies in the initial set-up process. Some routers need special software for this, and if the software doesn't run on a Mac you won't be able to set up the router properly. Netgear avoids this problem by allowing you to configure its routers through your Web browser. This means the routers will work with any computer that has a browser, regardless of whether it's a Mac or PC . As a result, the company's DG814 router has sold quite well among Mac users, and the new DG824M model now adds wireless networking features to an already successful product. The DG824M looks very similar to its predecessor. It's a slim, silver-grey unit that matches the styling of the current Mac range. It measures around 10in wide, 6.5in deep and just one inch high. It's designed to lie flat, but if you put it on its side it would hardly take up any space at all. There are connectors at the back of the unit for the power supply and ADSL, as well as four Ethernet ports. If you want to use Ethernet, you can use these to connect four computers, but there's also a little folding aerial tucked away at the back that allows you to use a wireless connection. The DG824M uses the same wireless technology, known as 802.11, that Apple uses in its AirPort product range, so you can use a standard Apple AirPort card to connect your Mac to the router. Swift setup We tested the DG824M on a Power Mac G4 equipped with an AirPort card. This was initially
To establish a wireless connection you simply connect your ADSL line to the socket on the back of the DG824M. The next step is to launch your Web browser and enter the specified address - 192.168.0.1 - into the address bar in order to connect to the router. Entering this address opens a Web page with the router's Setup Wizard, which will automatically detect the type of Internet connection you have and configure the router accordingly. You may have to enter your login name into the browser at this point - this will depend on how your account is set up with your ISP - but once that's done your login name will be stored on the router and you can connect additional computers without having to repeat the setup process. First timers You can also use the Web browser to control additional features such as the router's built-in firewall. The firewall automatically blocks DOS (denial of service) attacks - where someone attempts to overload your Internet connection - and you can use it to block Web sites or newsgroups that contain keywords you specify. This will be useful for both business users and home users who are worried about what their kids might find on the Internet. Our only minor criticism here is that the documentation provided with the DG824M is pretty sparse, and doesn't provide much information on some of its more sophisticated security features, such as the ability to create your own rules to control incoming and outgoing traffic through the firewall. Still, the DG824M is mainly aimed at home and small business users, who probably won't want to delve too deeply into the more technical aspects of the router. More importantly, the router's ease of use makes it good for users just be getting started with their first ADSL or wireless connection. Netgear's recommended retail price of £213 is a little high, but you should be able to pick it up from mail order or online retailers for £50 less than that. If you're looking to move into wireless networking we'd recommend the DG824M as an affordable and easy-to-use option. By Cliff Joseph |
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